Australian invention could stop dehydration and save lives
Heat stress and dehydration will put many lives at risk by 2030. However, a new Australian technology launched at the Australian National University (ANU) may provide the solution.
Microwearable sensors being developed by Brisbane-based health-tech company, WearOptimo, will give the wearer an instant read-out of body water or hydration level.
“By providing individuals with a measure of their own hydration, action can be taken immediately, before performance is impaired or health is risked,” WearOptimo founder Professor Mark Kendall said.
“With higher global temperatures, the Asia-Pacific region especially will experience serious productivity losses from workers who become dehydrated. The elderly and sick are also at heightened risk. The healthcare costs of dehydration run into many billions of dollars.”
Microwearables are low-cost, ‘sticker-like’ sensors that monitor critical signs in the patient, enabling timely medical intervention and better recovery planning, Prof. Kendall said.
“They resemble a small sticker equipped with layers of electronic sensors that read what is going on inside the patient’s body,” he explained.
“By deploying microstructures which go just a hair’s breadth into the skin, they access vital health biomarkers in a minimally-invasive and pain-free way.”
Versions of the device can monitor not only a person’s hydration, but also assist in the early diagnosis of heart attack or sense inflammatory markers which are critical in responding to infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
“In the case of a heart attack, early warning is the difference between life and death,” Prof. Kendall said.
Would you wear a sensor to constantly monitor the condition of your body?
I have been wearing a FitBit for several years which monitors my exercise, steps, fitness, sleep cardio, water intake and etc. All people should take responsibility for their health. I am not sure about inserting a microwavable into my body because it's the next step toward microchipping.